Provexis developing new heart health ingredient

Provexis plc is developing a naturally derived product that can help tackle cardiovascular inflammation.

Provexis plc | May 09, 2011

Provexis plc is developing a naturally derived product that can help tackle cardiovascular inflammation. The company has identified that isothiocyanates contained in certain cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, mustard seeds and water cress have a positive effect on heart health. The UK-based company has developed novel intellectual property around four extracts, for which it has filed global patents. Preliminary clinical trials are now underway at the Institute of Food research in Norwich to establish effective dosage of the extract. Formulation will then be refined ahead of human trials planned as part of a cardiovascular inflammation study next year.

Stephen Moon, Chief Executive Officer at Provexis, comments: “Having developed Fruitflow®, we already have extensive regulatory and scientific expertise in heart health technologies, and look forward to discovering more about the new ingredient as we progress with the trials.”

Heart health awareness among consumers has increased significantly, with product launches nearly tripling over the past five years. The more specialised medical foods market, however, is currently underdeveloped. This new, natural ingredient could offer patients the chance to benefit from a preventative and non-invasive form of treatment and manufacturers the opportunity to profit from appealing margins.”

“The functional foods market is buoyant and with companies such as Nestlé and Danone making considerable investments in product development, the clinical foods market is also projected to grow significantly going forward,” adds Stephen. “Bearing this in mind, we believe this ingredient has the potential to create highly successful products.”

The ingredient currently exists as a freeze-dried powder, which Provexis aims to incorporate into dietary supplements, with a liquid format suitable for beverage applications also a potential solution.